Followers

Pages

Sunday, November 20, 2011

Ex-Philippine leader Arroyo 'will not receive fair trial'

MANILA (AFP) - Former Philippine president Gloria Arroyo is being 'persecuted' and will not receive a fair trial after she was arrested for allegedly rigging elections, a lawyer for her family said on Sunday.

Mr Ferdinand Topacio dismissed assurances from President Benigno Aquino that the ailing Mrs Arroyo will be treated fairly, saying the government was determined to get the ex-president.

'There is a pall of gloom about her because of what has happened. She is being persecuted and it is taking a toll on (her) health,' Mr Topacio told ABS-CBN television.

Mr Topacio said the case against Mrs Arroyo was 'railroaded' and the former president's rights were being violated.